Job Discussion Forums

[tom davis]

I am really interested in coming to vietnam to teach and I am in Thailand now I would like to some in a few weeks and look for a job. However I have read a few things which seem to be turning me off.

First of all, is the police background check mandatory? Can I Or should I try to get one in Thailand before coming?

Second, Is it true that all schools close for the months of Jan/Feb? And if so would that affect my being able to find work now? I am willing to sign a contract if necessary.

Last, I read somewhere that it is better to come to vietnam without having signed a contract and to look for work in person? Is that still true?

Any advice would be really appreciated.

Thanks , Tom

[Cyan]

Hi tom davis

1) Yes, the police check is necessary including a degree, some sort of teaching certification and a medical check.

The police check is easy enough to do if you from most European countries. I've heard it can be more tricky if you're American (and depending on what state you come from.) I suggest doing the check here - you don't want your check rejected as it wouldn't be relevant to Vietnam.

2) No not entirely true. Most of them close during Tet. The Chinese Ne3w Year which is a serious holiday here. Last year this was during the last 2 weeks of February and the school where I worked did close for 2 weeks. Things do slow down a little bit in Dec, Jan and Feb.

3) A contract in Vn, has as much value as the... you know the clich�...

My advice: Come in March or come a couple of weeks before the start of Tet. Tet 2006 seems to be from Jan 30 - Feb 14

[tom davis]

Thanks for the reply. Now its seems to be a little more complicated than I thought.
As for the medical check I can get that in vietnam?
And the degree, do I actually have to show it? Nobody's ever asked to see it before.
I also lack for teaching certification although I have been teaching for the last four years do you think that will pose a problem?

Thanks again for the help

[Cyan]

1) Medical Check - Yes, you can.

2) Not having a degree or TEFL/CELTA shouldn't be an issue with regards to getting a job. If you do have the qualif. though, you can get better pay

[goose]

So is it still possible to work on a business visa? That way you don't need the certificate, medical and criminal backgrounf check. What option's are there available to people without a degree or TEFL certificate, but have some experience?